Tom Odell - Jubilee Road (Deluxe) (2018) Hi Res

It is too easy to see a man sitting at a piano and conjure images of pop superstars and legendary frontmen of bygone eras. But with his recent release, Jubilee Road, Tom Odell adds his unique musical dexterity to the proverbial mix. Odell's defined style combines songwriting that is occasionally revelatory with effusive piano playing. Granting he is considered a contemporary impresario by many, Odell's album, at times, is lost to the capriciousness of overly slick piano and mediocre songwriting. Yet Jubilee Road bares an intimate and expressive vulnerability rendering Odell as a viable factor in contemporary pop music.

Jubilee Road is less bluesy than previous endeavors. Instead, Odell dabbles with various genres including gospel. He employs distinguishable melismas especially apparent on "If You Wanna to Love Somebody". Odell's note-bending adds a trance-like harmony to his already embellished keyboarding. The track takes a decisive turn towards gospel as a chorus echoes and lifts Odell's singing. This technique is revisited in "You're Going to Break My Heart Tonight" when the backup vocals add a cadence of pain and haunting vulnerability. The inclusion of a single saxophone reiterates the sense of desolation.

In interviews, Odell has positioned Elton John as the foremost musical authority, and his influence is evident throughout Jubilee Road. The track "Son of an Only Child" emulates Elton John in vocal delivery and storytelling. At the track's pinnacle, Odell raises his vocal pitch and reaches a satisfying crescendo reminiscent of Elton John's impassioned performances. Odell makes it clear he is referencing Elton John. The lyrics "Except sing about my broken heart / I'm a rocket man" recognizes "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and "Rocket Man" as predecessors. Whereas Elton John's keyboarding was often taken to a creative extreme, Odell presents more subdued keyboard arrangements and showmanship that maintain his position as a piano-rock virtuoso.